Aston Villa are battling Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the race to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer, according to The Times.
The West Midlands side are among a host of Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on the former Burnley keeper, who has struggled for regular opportunities under Pep Guardiola this season.
Since joining City for an initial £27m last summer, Trafford has made only 14 appearances across all competitions, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding 10 goals.
The 23-year-old helped City win the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal last month and is expected to start in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.
Aston Villa Eyeing James Trafford
According to The Times, Villa are monitoring Trafford as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, if he decides to call time on his six-year spell in the West Midlands.
The Argentina international was the subject of interest from Manchester United this summer, but ended up staying as the Red Devils welcomed Senne Lammens instead.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have maintained an interest in Trafford since last summer. The 23-year-old is believed to be at the top of their wishlist, as they are prioritising the signing of a new goalkeeper.
Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the England international amid doubts over Guglielmo Vicario’s future at the club.
The Italian goalkeeper is likely to be on the move this summer and is believed to be attracting interest from Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Trafford developed in Manchester City’s academy before leaving the club permanently in 2023 to join Burnley.
The ‘world-class’ 23-year-old claimed the Championship Golden Glove last season after keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals in 45 appearances.
Aston Villa Monitoring Bayern Midfielder
Aston Villa are believed to be among a host of European clubs closely monitoring Bayern Munich rising star Noel Aseko.
The West Midlands side, along with AS Roma, Eintracht Frankfurt and Brighton, are interested in the Germany U21 international, who is spending the season on loan at Hannover.
According to reports in Germany, Bayern are believed to be open to selling the defensive midfielder after the season for a fee in the region of €10-12m (£8.7m-£10.4m).
Villa are said to be closely monitoring the 20-year-old ahead of the transfer window, although Serie A side Roma appear to be showing the strongest interest at present.